USAF Helicopter Pilot
Association

P.O.BOX 966
MEDICAL LAKE, WA 99022-0966
www.usafhpa.org

Branson Bag Drag
October 8-12, 2012

Westgate Branson Woods Resort
www.wgbransonwoods.com

1-877-253-8572

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER—BOB PUTLOCK (putlock@aol.com)

Branson is becoming increasingly intriguing as we are learning more about the activities, how Veterans are treated and the place we will be staying—the Westgate Branson Woods Resort (WBWR ). In an effort to interest as many of our members as possible to consider attending the Branson reunion in October 8-11, 2012 we are making a significant change to how members are contacted. Usually we have been relying on the internet to reach members with current E-mail addresses and sending hard copies of newsletters to those without E-mail addresses. That process will still continue. However, because of the importance of the information in this newsletter ( NL #2 with housing information) and the next newsletter ( NL #3 with the actual registration form ) we will be sending hard copies to all members, auxiliary members and associates. CAUTION: Check your expiration year that will be shown in the address block of the delivered hard copy. Those members showing a dues expiration date of 2006 will be dropped from the organization starting in January 2012 unless the dues are caught up to date.

In addition we will be making PERSONAL PHONE CALLS to each of you to answer any questions about the reunion. NL’s #4 and later NL’s will be on the internet only with hard copies just to non-E-mail addresses. These NL's will have more of the reunion's interest items as we approach October. They will focus on the names of members who have sent their completed registration forms to Gatherings Plus, info on the Silent Auction activity, the "George Lightner 1st Annual" Horseshoe Tournament and other items

This portion of Newsletter # 2 will be about the different room options at the Westgate Branson Woods Resort which are in our contract. The chart below shows the types of rooms, the cost per night, some info on room content, how many each unit sleeps ( 2, 4 or 8 ). The prices extend from three nights before to three nights after the 4 Reunion days ( October 8 thru October 11, 2012 ). It’s not too early to make room reservations. To make a room reservation call (877) 502-7058. Use Group Code 14-531, USAF Helicopter Pilots Association. Each room reservation will need to be secured by one night’s fee chargeable to a credit card. The “Hotel Guest Rooms” ( $69 ) are all in the single story flat buildings. The rooms coded RC50 ( $165 ) and RC52 ( $95 ) are in the high rise buildings. The rooms coded RC2 ( $155 ) and RC14 ( $79 ) are scattered around in different condo buildings and in what is called the Lofts or Fountain /Pond areas. The room tax is an additional 11.6% ( 4% tourism and 7.6% state ). On the property but not in our contract are several log cabins depending on availability which would be priced on request. If you need special care be sure to mention that so you will be located as close to the Hospitality Room as possible. September 8, 2012 is the cutoff date for our room contract and unreserved rooms will be released. Couples may consider sharing a 2 bedroom unit. Singles could also share a unit. Cancellations are accepted up to 72 hours prior to arrival.

Use web site “www.WGBransonWoods.com” to view photos of the Resort, rooms and the amenities. There are “pet friendly” rooms throughout the complex allowing for either a cat or dog under 60 lbs. Ask WBWR about the additional fees. Each bedroom reserved will have 2 breakfast vouchers per day. If additional people share one bedroom breakfast may cost $5.50 each. Remember each unit has a microwave/refrigerator, kitchenette or full kitchen.

Anyone traveling by motor home or camper and staying in a Westgate unit will have ample space to park their vehicles on the property. Those RVers staying outside the WBWR facility can park their RV’s on the property while attending the various activities. All buildings at Westgate are “non-smoking”. Smoking outside is allowable. For those who missed seeing NL #1 the chart below shows the updated planned activities. Again you will have the opportunity to sign up for all, some or none and be able to do other things.

TREASURER’S CORNER: Bob Strout

My usual spiel: Check the date on the Newsletter label. Unless you have made a recent dues payment, that date is when your dues expire.

I have one (1) of the helicopter coaster sets that were available in Colorado Springs. The coaster set is $15.50, add $4.50 for postage, or $20 for the set.

Decals and Challenge coins are still available. Cost is $1 and $5 respectively.
Lapel pins are $1.50
I have five (5) License Plate holders @ $10 each.
There are (3) three Jackson Hole Mouse Pads @ $2
Also have several dozen hats at $7.50 each.
One canvas tote bag with HPA Logo @ $15.
One Jackson Hole jacket, size 3XL @ $26.

Hmmm, seems I am running a souvenir store.

Jackson Hole Memory Book is being proofed and when approved should be mailed by the vendor some time in the next few weeks. Hopefully before Christmas.

Have a great Holiday Season!


SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS AND GOLF TOURNEY ORGANIZER - BILL WATERS (bnpwaters@cableone.net)

GOLF:
Golf Tournament is scheduled for Thursday - October 11, 2012, with an 0800 “TEE Time” at Thousand Hills Golf Resort, 245 S Wildwood Dr, Branson, MO.  Course change was made to accommodate a tighter activity schedule, distance and cost factors. DETAILS: Entry Fee: $52.00 includes golf, cart, box lunch and prizes monies…..Thousand Hills popularity is from its unique ability in catering to all different golf skill levels with separate sets of tees ensuring the course remains challenging yet fair for all golfers without discriminating on age or experience. Thousand Oaks is built on a meandering creek and large rock outcroppings, you can really experience the beauty of the Ozarks.  With elevation changes and plenty of water and sand, you would never guess that you were within a long iron from the 76 strip and Branson famous live-music shows.

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS:

Members “Gone West” - since last newsletter:  Addison “Duff” Agle, Jack Allison.

A former member: Curt Newhouse. Also “Gone West” Dr. Fillipini who was one of the flight surgeons at Stead AFB when the Helicopter School was there.

Received this Email from Jack Allison's Daughter:

As you may remember, I am Col. Allison's daughter. For any who are interested, we have received word that his service is scheduled for Monday, April 23rd at 1pm at Arlington. Thank you for your support during this time,

Lee Gardner and family

HISTORIAN’S CORNER---K. V. HALL

            Just before we headed to Jackson Hole, I received the following history note:

Subj: Edward R. Stevens

            My name is LINDA L. STEVENS. I am the daughter of EDWARD R. STEVENS. To stabilize instructor manning, the helicopter school requested assignment of one class composed entirely of combat returnees, who could be retained as instructors. A class of 10 combat returnees began training 15 July 1946.This morning I was reading through the history of the helicopter flight school and realized that, according to his records, my Dad was among that class of 10 combat returnees that began 15 July 1946. Following flight instruction, my Dad was one of the pilots that served as an instructor.

            I also wanted to add my Dad's helicopter unit to your list of units, "FLIGHT D, 1st RESCUE SQUADRON", WALLER AIR FORCE BASE, TRINIDAD, BRITISH WEST INDIES. Dad tells the story that soon after he arrived in Trinidad, Dad was notified that his helicopter had arrived. Dad went down to the hanger expecting to find a functioning helicopter. Instead, he found a crate that contained the parts of his helicopter.
As there was no helicopter mechanic stationed at Waller Field, Dad recruited some of the base mechanics and he, with their help, put the helicopter together. Dad says the first flight in that helicopter was hair raising event. Since there were no trained helicopter mechanics to assist with the assembly of the helicopter, Dad wasn't really sure that the helicopter would fly. He says that as exciting as the first flight was, the first return landing was an enormous relief.

            Additionally, in January of this year, 2011, my Dad was awarded the "LEGION OF HONOR" by the French government. The presentation is to be made this month in Florida.

            My Dad's health continues to decline, making it impossible for him to get to the reunion. My health is not good, but I am hoping that someday the reunion will be close enough to St. Louis that I can attend.

            Thank you for your time and effort.

Linda L. Stevens, Vietnam Era Veteran, US Army Nurse Corps Member, American Legion Post, 40441st Combat Support Hospital.  (Remember, every woman who has served in the US military, was a VOLUNTEER!)

(Thanks, Linda for that background of your dad’s service—he is our oldest [and one of our boldest] members! We’re hoping Branson is close enough to St. Louis for you to make our 2012 Reunion; and if your dad can make it up from Florida, that would be icing on the cake!!)

Keep checking “What’s New” to see the latest updates and additions to the website.  I have been working on Rescue units but info is hard to come by.  Please send any stories, photos or info on Rescue units or any other units you were assigned to.  kykat46@gmail.com

A good friend, Curt Newhouse passed away in October 2011.  Curt was an H-13 and H-21 IP at Randolph in 1957-58.  Curt, “Jude” Lees and myself checked ourselves out in the H-21 so we could upgrade to IP’s.  He was the first pilot to survive the loss of a rotor blade in flight. (Goose Bay 1959) (See this story, www.usafhpa.org/22heliron/newhouse.html )


CURRENT HELO NEWS: FROM BOB BRUBAKER

Post Adolescent, But Still Often Grounded: In addition to not meeting the speed, payload, and range requirements for the Air Force's missile field security mission, USAF's Vietnam War-era UH-1 fleet suffers frequent groundings. "UH-1's advanced age is shown in groundings due to cracks in rotor hubs, lift-beam area, and tail-boom assemblies," Lt. Gen. James Kowalski, Air Force Global Strike Command boss, said Wednesday during a presentation on Capitol Hill. He added, "We continue to deal with the challenge of keeping a 40-year-old aircraft mission-ready, while working through the issues of parts availability and obsolescence." Kowalski said he's confident the UH-1 can bridge the gap until its targeted replacement arrives, but it remains substandard. "The UH-1, when it's not grounded has about the highest mission capability rate of any platform in the Air Force, but at the end of the day, even if we had brand new UH-1s . . . it still doesn't meet the mission requirement."
(AFA, 6/23/11)

V-22 Exports: Le Bourget, France—After nearly 30 years of development and production, the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft might soon be available for export, said Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick. Speaking to reporters here Tuesday at the Paris Air Show, Chadwick said Boeing has "held discussions with several international customers" about buying V-22s. "As we add capacity . . . and as we work on cost reductions," the V-22 could become more attractive, and the US government seems to have no objections, he said. Each of Boeing's products is working toward "an affordability target," Chadwick noted, and when the V-22 reaches that point, "there's a good chance for international sales." He also thinks the Navy may buy additional V-22s to backfill aging C-2 Greyhounds used for transporting cargo and passengers between aircraft carriers and shore bases. (AFA, 6/24/11)

Bell Boeing to Provide New, Upgraded CV-22 Trainers: The Air Force has awarded the Bell Boeing V-22 team a $34 million contract for three new CV-22 training devices and upgrades to the existing cabin part task trainer and two fuselage aircrew/maintenance trainers at Kirtland AFB, N.M. The CPTT is the only device that provides V-22 emergency egress training, according to a release from the companies. Hurlburt Field, Fla., and Cannon AFB, N.M., will receive two new cabin operational flight trainers—a full fuselage used to ensure concurrency on the aircraft. "The new COFTs will be made from the first CV-22 test flight vehicles," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for training systems and services. "They and the upgraded CPTT include enhancements to provide high-fidelity training in nearly two dozen tasks." The improvements will make training more realistic and connect COFTs and CV-22 aircrew trainers at the same bases together. Initial training is slated to begin in mid-2014 at all three bases. AFA: 9/1/11)

Pave Hawks Join 10K Club: Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters simultaneously surpassed 10,000 flight hours on a sortie from Kirtland AFB, N.M., last week. "I'm humbled to get the chance to take the very aircraft I used to fly when it had double-digit flight time and fly it past the 10,000-hour mark," said Rod Reay of M1 Support Services, who is the 58th Special Operations Wing's chief HH-60 pilot, following the mission. Both Pave Hawk 644, to which Reay was referring, and Pave Hawk 680 joined the 58th SOW with less than 5,000 flight hours in 1994. "It is a true testament to the Air Force's military, civilian, and contract maintainers that an aircraft produced with an original lifespan of 7,000 flying hours is now surpassing the 10,000-hour mark," said Reay. The Air Force has been using Pave Hawks since 1982. USAF officials last month announced that the projected fielding date of a Pave Hawk successor may slip by as much as three years to 2018. (Kirtland report by Connie Rankin, 9/6/11)

Wait And See: Before the Air Force recapitalizes its fleet of HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, it is backfilling the current fleet to account for combat losses and heavy operations in Southwest Asia. The Air Force is purchasing new-build Sikorsky H-60M airframes under the "operational loss replacement" program, and has accepted two of them already. But service officials have not resolved yet how they will modify the helicopters into the Pave Hawk configuration, although they are currently scheduled to enter initial operations in Fiscal 2015, Tim Healy, Sikorsky's director of Air Force programs, told reporters Wednesday. Sikorsky delivered the first two H-60Ms in February, and USAF is slated to accept the next two this month. Overall, the program, as currently structured, calls for 24 OLR helos, with 16 to follow in Fiscal 2012 and four more the next year. Healy said he was "not aware" of any USAF decision on how to carry out final modifications—including integration of a refueling boom, auxiliary tanks, and weapons mounts. When asked, he said Sikorsky is "ready to help" carry out the modifications, but the Air Force has not communicated its acquisition strategy to the company. (AFA 9/15/11)

Investigation Confirms RPG Downed Chinook: US Central Command's official investigation determined that an insurgent-fired rocket-propelled grenade—not tactical error—caused the crash of an Army CH-47 helicopter that killed 30 US servicemen and eight Afghans on Aug. 6. "This mission, and the tactics and resources employed in its execution, were consistent with previous US special operations missions and the strike forces selected . . . were appropriate," investigating officer Army Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Colt wrote in the investigating team's report summary, released on Wednesday. Based on wreckage, accounts, and footage, investigators concluded that an RPG struck the helicopter's aft rotor as it approached the landing zone, severing a blade and disintegrating both of the helicopter's two rotors. The "main fuselage dropped vertically," exploding on impact, according to investigation team findings. Engaged in a night mission to kill or capture a Taliban leader in Wardak province, Afghanistan, three airmen were among the victims. (AFA 10/14/11)

Jolly Good Partners: Helicopters from the 33rd Rescue Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, flew to Osan AB, Korea, for intense combat rescue training with the 25th Fighter Squadron's A-10s.  Set to deploy together soon, the combat search and rescue task force combines "training requirements for high-end mission capabilities as well as provides spin-up training for our unit's upcoming deployment," said Lt. Col. Peter Ortiz, 33rd RQS commander. Task force A-10s will fly top-cover for the helicopters during the rescue training as they simulate a high-threat environment. Their mission is to "get the helicopter to the guy on the ground, otherwise there is no mission," said Capt. Joel Bier, 25th FW project officer. "We're there primarily to provide cover support and protect them from surface-to-air threats or enemy ground movements in the vicinity," he added. The 10-day exercise, dubbed Pacific Thunder, began Monday and will continue through Nov. 9. (Kadena report by TSgt. Angelique Bilog)

Hey, it's going to be a great Reunion!!!!

Great Location, Good Old Friends, Great Hospitality Room, Great Food

WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR

SEE YOU IN BRANSON



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